The Gautami Mahatmya

by G. P. Bhatt | 1955 | 127,137 words

This is the English translation of the Gautami-Mahatmya, which forms the fourth part of the Brahma-purana. The Gautamimahatmya narrates the legends and merits of the various holy places (tirthas) situated around the bank of the Godavari river in 105 chapters. It can be seen as distinct work by itself, and was declared as a “highly meritorious puran...

Chapter 27 - Paulastya-tīrtha

(description of paulastya-tirtha)

Brahmā said:

1. The holy centre Paulastya Tīrtha is mentioned as one which fulfils all desires of men. I shall mention its magic power that gives lost kingdom back to one.

2. The eldest son of Viśravas who is now the lord of northern quarter was formerly richly endowed with all types of riches and achievements. He was the ruler of Laṅkā as well.

3. He had three step-brothers, viz. Rāvaṇa, Kumbhakarṇa and Vibhīṣaṇa. They were very powerful, endowed with unmeasured luster. They were his enemies as well.

4-5. They too were the sons of Viśravas but they were Rākṣasas (because they were born) of a Rākṣasī (ogress). Dhanada (Kubera), seated in the aerial chariot and accompanied by his step-brothers used to come to me everyday with great devotion and return after a while.

Rāvaṇa’s infuriated mother spoke to her sons.

Rāvaṇa’s mother said:

6-7, I shall die. I don’t (care to) live, O sons, because of this disparity and dissimilarity.

Devas and Dānavas were mutual enemies (though) they were brothers (step-brothers). (Step-brothers) wish for each other’s slaughter in pursuance of victory and prosperity. Hence, you are not at all desirous of victory, nor are you competent. You have no manliness. Aimless and useless is the life of that fellow who permits an enemy to be prosperous.

Brahmā said:

8. On hearing those words of their mother, O sage, the three brothers went to the forest and performed penance.

9-10. All these three obtained boons from me. At the instigation of their uncle Mārīca and their maternal grandfather and at the instance of their mother Rāvaṇa requested for Laṅkā. Due to their Rākṣasa-hood and the defects of their mother, there was a great enmity between the brothers.

11-13. Then a war between brothers ensued like the war between Devas and Dānavas. In the war Rāvaṇa conquered his quiet and calm elder brother Dhanada and captured the city of Laṅkā, the (aerial chariot) Puṣpaka and other things. He then proclaimed throughout the three worlds consisting of mobile and immobile beings: “He who offers refuge to my step-brother is liable to be killed by me.”

Forsaken and ousted by his brother, Dhanada did not receive any support anywhere. He went to Pulastya his grandfather and bowed to him.

Dhanada said:

14-17. I have been ousted by my wicked brother. What shall I do? Tell me what should be my support and refuge, the fate or a holy centre?

Brahmā said:

On hearing the words of his grandson Pulastya said:

Pulastya said:

Dear child, go to Gautamī and eulogize lord Maheśvara. There in the middle of Gaṅgā your wicked brother will have no access. You will attain prosperous achievement. Do so at my bidding.

Brahmā said:

18-19. Saying “So be it” Dhanada went to Gautamī accompanied by his wife, parents and the aged Pulastya. The lord of wealth took bath in Gaṅgā. Maintaining all holy rites he eulogized Śiva, lord of the lord of Devas, the bestower of worldly pleasures and liberation.

Dhanada said:

20-23. O Śambhu, you alone are the master of this Universe consisting of mobile and immobile beings. There is no one else. If anyone swaggers after slighting you out of delusion, he is worthy of being punished.

You sustain everything by your eight cosmic bodies. Everything exists (and functions) at your bidding. Still, non-scholars shall never attain you who are possessed of ancient glory and splendid refulgence.

Something was born out of her dirt and Ambā jokingly said: “O lord, this is your heroic son.” You glanced at it and it became Vighnarāja. Oh, the (powerful) action of the glance of Īśa!

On seeing Kāma and Rati separated in their conjugal enjoyment Girijā’s eyes were filled with tears. She spoke to Īśa about this. As a result of that, the bodiless Kāma acquired body and Rati acquired the fortune of conjugal bliss from the lord of Umā.[1]

Brahmā said:

24. Even as he was eulogizing thus, the three-eyed lord appeared in front of him and asked him to choose a boon as he liked. Out of excessive delight he did not utter a word.

25-27. Dhanada and Pulastya were silent. Lord Śiva was delighted repeating “O, choose the boon, O, choose the boon.” Then an unembodied voice was heard there telling Maheśvara thus: “The status of the protector of wealth should be granted to Dhanada.” It was only after knowing the silent wish of Pulastya and the father of Dhanada, that the voice made the splendid intention explicit.

28. The divine voice became auspicious. What should take place is like what has already taken place. What is about to be given is like what has already been given. What should be attained is like what has already been attained.

29-33. He who had a number of enemies and who experienced miseries worshipped Someśvara and acquired Liṅga, the lordship of a quarter, the mastery of wealth, vast liberalmindedness, wives and sons.

On hearing that voice Dhanada spoke these words to the Trident-bearing lord of Devas: “Let this be so.”

Saying “May it be so,” the lord of Devas assented to the Divine voice. The lord then honoured Pulastya, sage Viśravas and Dhanapāla with holy boons and went away. Thenceforth, they know that holy centre as Paulastya Tīrtha or Dhanada Tīrtha or Vaiśravasa Tīrtha. It is holy and splendid. It fulfils all cherished desires. Holy dip etc. in these holy centres bestows much merit.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

The reference here is to the episode of the burning of Kāma by Śiva’s glance when he was trying to inspire Śiva with amorous thought for Pārvatī at the instigation of gods at a time when Śiva was engaged in deep meditation. (vide Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bāla Kāṇḍa, Ch. 23).

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